And still they ran!

Wallace is delighted to be able to boast of a team of enthusiastic and gifted young runners who show a commitment to training and performance regardless of weather conditions. The climax of the Cross Country year will be in mid- March when a number of Wallace students will participate in the All Ireland Schools’ Cross Country Championships to be held in Waterford. We look forward to reporting on the progress of our competitors at a later point. A summary of the season to date is recorded below and reflects the depth and strength the school is building in this field of sporting endeavour. As the recent events of the World indoor championships show academic and sporting prowess often go hand in hand!

Wallace boys and girls participated in the annual District B Cross Country Championships; a late decision was made to proceed with the event at Ormeau Park. The wet underfoot conditions making the going heavy for the athletes but they showed admirable resilience and the squad generated some great performances.

Results (Top 40 placings) and Qualifiers from the District to the Ulster Finals:

The annual event of the Ulster Cross-Country finals brings together all of the strongest runners in each age category who have qualified as individuals, or as teams from each of the five districts. The following WHS athletes featured well at Ulster level, with a number qualifying for the All Ireland Schools’ Cross- Country Championships, to be held in Waterford in March 2018. A special mention must go to our Junior Girls’ team, who for a third consecutive year triumphed by winning the Ulster team event, by virtue of their points scored on the individual run. The trio of Victoria Lightbody, Connie Crothers and Abigail Menown fought hard to retain their title defeating Belfast High School who finished in 2nd, by virtue of a single point. Best wishes to the three girls and to individual qualifier, Rebecca Wallace, as they head to Waterford. Anna Hedley, Year 8, will be one to watch next year if she continues her current outstanding form. The Ulster Finals mark the last race in the school calendar for this age group, so next year will be the first opportunity for Anna to contest for an All-Ireland place. Congratulations to all participants and thanks to their enthusiastic supporters.